Osteoarthritis

Overview of osteoarthritis

Degeneration of bones, cartilages, and joints occurs at the onset of old age and has detrimental effects on the overall health of a person. In most cases, these people suffer from chronic arthritis conditions. According to statistics produced by the Arthritis Foundation, the United States, nearly 350 million people suffer from arthritic conditions all over the world. There are about 140 different types of arthritis. The most common form of arthritis which is observed mostly in elderly females is “Osteoarthritis”. It is one of the leading causes of disability in low and middle-income countries. According to epidemiological studies by the World Health Organization, nearly 9.6% men and 18% women above the age of 60 suffer from osteoarthritic conditions.

Definition of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is defined as the erosive degeneration of the joints, cartilages, soft tissues and bony outgrowths of the knee, ankle and other joints of the body due to age. In this condition, the topmost layer of the cartilage tissues wears away.

This impedes the gliding movements of the joints and causes reduced protection of the joints against mechanical shock (since these cartilages act as a buffer against external injuries).

In due course of time, portions of the affected joints and bones break off and float in the fluid between the joints (synovial fluid) causing severe pain and inflammation. Bone deformities are observed at a much later stage which causes restricted movements and immobility in a few cases.

Clinical complications

Apart from the symptoms discussed above, osteoarthritis may give rise to the following clinical complications-

Osteoarthritis with crystals: This condition is also called calcification or It is characterized by the deposition of calcium crystals in the cartilage.

Popliteal cysts: It is also called Baker’s cyst and is caused due to a production of excess synovial fluid.

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic tests are performed to determine the exact cause of osteoarthritis-

X-rays (to determine the presence of joint damage or cartilage decay)

MRI scan ( to examine joint injury if any)

Synovial fluid analysis (to detect crystals in the joint)

Treatment and prevention

Treatment

Medication

Acetaminophen – These medications can help in relieving mild to moderate pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) –These include over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can help in relieving pain.

Duloxetine – Anti-depressants are known to reduce the levels of chronic pain.

Therapy

Physical therapy – This may help in improving the movement range and reduction of pain in the affected joints.

Occupational therapy – This treatment method, aids the patient in how to go about their day-to-day activities by managing their pain. Adjusting their lifestyle in such a way that there is little pain felt.

Tai chi and yoga – These gentle exercises and stretched help in restoring movement, range and reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Surgery

Cortisone injections – Corticosteroid injections are provided to reduce the pain that is caused due to the friction of bones.

Lubrication injections – Injections of hyaluronic acid are provided to help in reducing the pain and giving a cushioning to the joints that have been affected by osteoarthritis.

Realigning bones – This surgical method is called osteotomy, where the surgeon makes a slit above or below the affected join and adds or removes a wedge of bone, thereby moving the bone away from the worn-out area.

Joint replacement – Here, the surgeon removes the worn-out bone and replaces it with a metal or plastic part, thereby restoring movement and reducing pain. This surgical method is called arthroplasty.

Prevention

Managing occupational risks can help prevent osteoarthritis. Doing so tends to put less pressure on your joints.